The sky cracked with lightning over Tonimbuk, and within hours, Sue and David McMahon’s world was reduced to smoke, ash, and heartbreak.
During the 2019 Bunyip Complex Bushfires, they received a Vic Emergency alert saying it was “too late to leave”. Initially, they thought the message was “dramatic“ until the smoke gathered and they heard helicopters.
“We never thought for one moment that when we were leaving we wouldn’t be coming back to our house,” Sue said.
“We just thought we had to leave because the fires were close. We thought they were going to put it out and we will be okay.”
In a rush, they evacuated to their daughter’s house in Beaconsfield, bringing only their dog and carriage.
David later tried to return to protect their property but was blocked by police at the highway.
“Sue was very keen that I should not return to the property but I did,” he explained.
“I drove back in the hope that I could protect us on the menage mauve and get some fire fighting pumping sorted. When I got to the highway there were security guards here. Police said we’re not letting anyone in.”
While staying with friends and family, they kept in contact with neighbours by text and phone. Neighbours reported the loss of their hay sheds and tractors, but early on, it seemed their house had survived.
“One neighbour was saying I can still see your house from here. He left in a fairly sort of scary circumstance,” David said.
However, their home was destroyed on a Sunday night and they only found out the next morning when they saw it on Channel 7.
“I didn’t return to the property for three weeks and at that time, I fell into a black hole, a depression,” Sue said.
“One thing that’s happened since the fires is that our memory is like ptsd, our memory is really vague about it.
“The most devastating thing was having to confront the disaster everyday as we drove in the driveway. Remains of the house, the shed, all our possessions, were just constant visual reminders of the fires, the event, and how much work we had to do to overcome this emotional and physical disaster.”
The state government offered to help with the cleanup, but delays and high costs forced them to hire a local company instead. The council appointed a case manager who couldn’t visit the property, and support was limited to phone conversations. The couple relied on friends, family, and volunteers to cope with the emotional and physical aftermath of losing their home.
They found healing through creating a recovery community with others affected by the disaster. This initiative strengthened the bond within the local community, fostering deeper connections and a sense of mutual support.
“While the disaster was horrific and we’ve never recommended this journey for anyone to follow, it’s allowed us to meet some amazing people,” Sue said.
“At the end of the day, we know that we’re all there for each other, if anything like that were to happen again.”
Their situation would have been improved with a disaster relief fund during the 2019 bushfires.
“If money could be made available, assessments would be done more quickly, and funds would reach those in most need, which would have a much better impact on emotional well-being. Removing the disaster’s evidence would have made the journey much easier than it was.”
The couple continues to face issues with the CFA’s policy, which prevents fire trucks from entering narrow, one-way streets, leaving their area vulnerable in emergencies. They also highlighted that while residents can be fined for letting grass grow too high on their properties, councils are not maintaining their roadside verges, leaving overgrown grass and vegetation that increase fire risk.
“Even though there have been extensive commissions on bushfires, I don’t think governments and other agencies have learned the lessons from previous experiences,” they said.
“There are thousands of people in Victoria’s urban fringe, and unless governments develop strategies to address these areas, we’ll face further disasters in the future.“
“The council doesn’t have the resources or the money to address roadside verge issues. But you need resources for prevention, and unfortunately, governments and councils haven’t allocated the necessary funding.“
With the state election fast approaching, the couple is calling on both parties to be proactive and focus on prevention rather than trying to put a “bandaid” on the problem.
“There should be a public approach to a disaster, with a step-by-step follow-up to alleviate the initial impact,” Sue said.
“We need better, stronger, more effective government strategies for fire prevention.”
The proposal for a Natural Disaster Fund by the philanthropic Cardinia Community
Foundation is a welcome suggestion which would assist in alleviating the extended suffering of those who are victims of the increasing frequency of natural disasters.
“Living in a disaster-prone area at a time of climate change, it is comforting to learn that a pro-active, dedicated disaster relief fund will be supported by the Labor candidate for La Trobe, Jeff Springfield. We sincerely hope that all federal and state representatives would offer bipartisan support to such a valuable initiative,” Sue said.
Garfield Community Association (GCA) president Greg Howson expressed support for the Cardinia Community Foundation’s efforts to establish its Disaster Relief Fund.
“Small communities do matter. They are often vibrant and dynamic are totally familiar with the peculiarities of their part of the region,” he said.
“When it comes to disaster response, the local government body is our direct link for guidance and assistance and reacts to local needs immediately.“
“Having a community-based organisation such as the Cardinia Foundation is a direct method of distributing urgent money requests to deal with pressing needs, leaving the Shire to deal with what they do best…big picture solutions.“
Labor candidate for La Trobe Jeff Springfield also added that, “during my time as mayor and councillor for Cardinia I witnessed firsthand the terrible impact natural disasters have recently had upon our community. I also witnessed the extraordinary ability and dedication of our local community coming together to support each other during these difficult times,” he said.
“I have seen that a community lead response can be the most effective and efficient way to deliver disaster relief. To help those who need it most in the fastest way possible.
“A disaster relief fund such as this would be a wonderful opportunity to help our community support each other during these difficult times of need into the future. To be better prepared for the worse type of situations and to deliver assistance where it is needed most right when it is most needed.”
